The Book of 1 Peter: Christian living

The Book of 1 Peter: Christian living INTRODUCTION: The book of 1st Peter is a General Epistle or Apostolic Letter written to all believers in general. Its purpose was to encourage suffering Christians and to call them to personal holiness. Peter addresses the issue that believers are to live a life of personal holiness as God s people, even during times of suffering and persecution. He teaches that all Christians are to expect suffering; it is normal and Scriptural for Christians to suffer persecution, even imprisonment and death. He explains that our salvation in Christ is secure because He took our sins on the cross and, by His wounds we are healed (2:24). He also explains that in living holy lives a believer is to, worship Christ as the Lord of his life and be ready to explain his faith to anyone who asks (3:15). Think about it; in the midst of persecution and the pain that comes with it, a Christian should still submit to Christ as Lord; and be assured that all his/her wounds are healed in Christ; in the same situation, Christians should not shy off from explaining their faith to anyone who asks. Peter also expounds that as a believer one should not be surprised when persecution comes upon them, but they should be alert for Satan is continuously looking for someone to devour (5:8). In addition, if a believer does suffer persecution, he/she should glorify God and entrust his/her soul to Him. THINK ABOUT IT: Is there any painful situation that you faced that made you not to submit to Christ as Lord, doubt his promise and ability to heal all your pain or even stopped you from sharing Christ with others? Peter s words were relevant to Christians in the early church who faced the first persecution of the Church that took place under Nero, the sixth emperor of Rome. Just to give a few examples of what Christians faced; in one instance Nero ordered that the city of Rome should be set on fire, an order that was executed by his officers, guards, and servants. But when Nero, found out that his conduct was greatly blamed, he was determined to lay the blame upon the Christians in order to excuse himself. Nero also had some Christians sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and they were then hunted/attacked by dogs until

they died; others were dressed in shirts made stiff with wax and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire; but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred. Reading through the internet on top ten Christian persecution stories of 2011, I was captured by the experience of Christian leaders in Laos; eight Christian leaders in Boukham village, Savannakhet Province, were arrested on Dec. 16 2011 after they had gathered 200 church members for a Christmas celebration. Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom reported that the leaders had secured permission for the event from Boukham s village chief, but village security forces entered the site and marched the eight leaders to the Boukham government headquarters, where they were detained without being charged. Four of the detainees were placed in handcuffs and wooden stocks, while the other four were left unrestrained. While they were held without formal charges, it is quite clear that they were arrested for gathering people for worship. Lao Evangelical Church representatives on Dec. 18 2011 managed to negotiate the release of one of the detainees held in stocks, after paying a fine to the village chief. The chief later ordered the other four unrestrained detainees to be placed in stocks as well. Boukham village authorities later moved six of the detained Christians to an animal pen, blocked visits from family members and banned direct delivery of food. The other detainee was released temporarily to attend a government training session but was then held with the others all seven in wooden stocks. When last seen, the health of one of the detained leaders had deteriorated; because he suffers from a kidney ailment. The legs of six of the detainees were swollen and infected, according to the Human Rights watch. Family members feared that the authorities would employ starvation tactics in order to force the six to give up their faith. In the recent past our nation has experienced a series of terror attacks

directed to Christians both in open air crusades and even during Sunday worship in church. This has led to the death of many Christians including innocent Sunday school children, and many others have been left with wounds, scars and deformities that they will live with for the rest of their life. It is possible for one of the victims to feel like, if I had not gone to church or attended that meeting this would not have happened to me. They could also ask God, where were you when all this was being planned? These experiences have also brought about changes in how security is handled in church today; everyone has to go through security checks. These experiences drawn from the early church to the present day clearly tell us that we must be equipped just incase we also meet persecution as followers of Christ. The Book of 1st Peter, serves as the best lesson from which we can learn from, and I therefore encourage you to take this journey for the next ten weeks with the assurance that the word of God will speak to you on Christian living in the face of persecution. The main aim is to ensure that in the midst of pain or persecution:- 1. You will still worship Christ as Lord over your life 2. You will look to him for grace and healing on the pain you will have experienced. 3. You will still witness to others about Christ both by word and conduct.

How to use the study guide: Topic of the weekly studies: There is a specific topic related to the content of study for each week The study follows this structure: Scripture, Observation, Interpretation, Application, Summary, Scripture memory and Prayer; these different parts of the study will be done in five days of the week. The study material is designed in the form of a book study with the aim that you will learn and develop the habit to study daily in your quiet time. Therefore, as you follow through the structure you will be guided to ask yourself the following questions: What does the passage actually say, what meaning was intended by the writer to the audience? How did the passage apply to the original readers and how does the passage apply to me? Day 1: SCRIPTURE: Take 30 minutes to read the text provided in different versions of the Bible, what is printed in the study is the NLT version. (Recommended versions include: New International Version, Good News, The message & New King James). The main aim of day 1 is to familiarize with the content in the selected text for the week. Day 2: OBSERVATION: Take 30 minutes to read the text again; you will be guided to ask yourself what can I see in the passage read in the different versions: Get facts, through becoming a Bible investigator. Identify key words, important terms, names, phrases and grammatical relationships etc. Discover who are the people involved in the text, what is happening, what is said, how do people respond, when does this happen, where did this happen, and any other activity. Day 3: INTERPRETATION: Take 30 minutes to read the text again and go through the observations made and ask yourself, what does this scripture mean? Understand the context, study the content, make comparison with other texts,

study the culture then and make further consultation/research from commentaries and other helpful resources. Day 4: APPLICATION: Take 30 minutes to read the text again, go through the observations and interpretations made and find the relevance of the text to your life and in today s world and the actions one needs to take. Ensure that the application is not taken out of context: Know what the text is saying to you, relate the text to personal experience, meditate on the text and practice what the text calls you to do. The application will also include a personal summary that will follow a specific format INSPECT: Is there any: 1. Issue for me to take note of? 2. Need for me to surrender? 3. Sin for me to confess? 4. Promise for me to claim? 5. Example for me to follow? 6. Command for me to obey? 7. Truth for me to believe in? Day 5: SUMMARY: Take 30 minutes to read through the summary given that is in the form of Bible exposition of the lessons of the week and relate it to the text and what you have done in the past four days of study. The summary is an explanation at the end of each week s study that will elaborate everything you have discovered e.g. the meaning of the key terms, phrases, who was involved and any other detail in the observation section. Note that, the summary should be the last thing you look at after spending time throughout the week faithfully interrogating the scriptures. SCRIPTURE MEMORY: There is one memory text for each week at the end of the weekly study

PRAYER: Take time to pray over your life and what you have discovered in the week during the study. Note that you are also supposed to take time for prayer at the beginning and end of each days study during the week. Also, research on Christians facing persecution all over the world that you could pray for as a group for the ten weeks of study. MEMORY CHALLENGE: Each group member will be expected to identify a memory passage that he/she will memorize. This should be one of the weekly passages in the Book of 1st Peter. The challenge will be done at the end of the ten weeks of study and gifts given to the person who is able to recite the memory passage word perfect using the NLT Version of the Bible. QUESTIONS: The study is characterized with three kinds of questions: One is the observation questions/informational questions. This requires you to remember specific facts in order to answer the remaining questions. Two is the interpretation questions, this are analytical questions that encourage you to attach meaning to the facts, thereby developing concrete concepts or principles. Three is the application questions or the personal questions which seek to guide you to reflect the facts and meaning to your personal life. This are the, what must I do questions.

Background information: Author: The author of the Book of 1st Peter identifies himself as Peter, Jesus disciple (1Peter 1:1). He was one of the earliest believers in Jesus, and like his brother Andrew, he was probably a disciple of John the Baptist, till John directed them to Jesus (John 1:40-41). Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Peter) meaning a rock (John 1:42). He was one of the believers who left their normal occupation and became active followers of Jesus (Mathew 4:18-22). And when Jesus selected the twelve disciples, Peter was part of the list (Mathew 10:2). Date: This Book was probably written in the early AD 60s. This date is supported by the fact that the letter seems to show familiarity with Paul s letters from prison such as Colossians and Ephesians. It was the era of the Roman Emperor Nero who ruled from AD 54 to 68 and persecution against Christians was increasing everywhere. Purpose: Peter wrote to warn the Christians not to be surprised or ashamed when they meet persecution (1Peter 4:12, 16). But they were to bear their suffering with patience even if it meant death. And they were to also bear intelligent witness to their faith in Christ (1Peter 2:20-23; 3:14-15; 4:19). There hope was in Christ and what was sought was a way to endure suffering. In the Book he also gives practical advice on how to live out the Christian faith in a time of trial and suffering. The readers: The letter is addressed to Christians north of the Tarsus Mountains in present day Turkey. The order in which the five Roman provinces are named (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia), may well indicate the route taken by the one carrying the letter.

Relevance to the present age: Suffering is still present in the world we live in, and both Christians and non Christians are victims of war, political instability, terror attacks, natural calamities, tribal violence and many other kinds of Suffering. This book is relevant to prepare Christians to live out their faith in this turbulent world by helping them to understand that suffering should not make them waver or weaken in their faith in Christ.

Table of content: Week 1: Living with great expectations... 12 Week 2: Living in reverent fear... 26 Week 3: Living stones... 39 Week 4: Living honorably... 52 Week 5: Living in respect to authority... 64 Week 6: Living lives that win others to Christ... 75 Week 7: Living a good life... 89 Week 8: Living for God... 105 Week 9: Living cheerfully... 121 Week 10: Living to receive the crown... 135 Bibliography:... 152 10

WEEK 1: Living with great expectation Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 1:1-12 (NLT) This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritancean inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets 12

wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from: 13

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: Who is the author of the letter according to verse one of the text? Who is he writing to and what is the importance of the greeting and introduction of himself that he gives? Why does he have to remind the recipients of the letter in verse two that they are God s chosen people and foreigners wherever they are and how is that significant to us? Relate this text to Romans 8:29 & 2 Thessalonians 2:13. What places are mentioned in the text and what do you know about them? 14

Who is mentioned in the text in verse two and what has he done for the people? How have they responded to what God has done for them as stated in verse two? What has God done for them according to verses three to five of the text? Relate these truths to what Acts 20:32, Colossians 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:8, & John 10:28 states. How should they respond to their situation according to verse six of the text? Relate this text to James 1:2 What is the role of the trials in their life according to verse seven? Relate this to Job 23:10, Isaiah 48:10 & James 1:3-4. 15

How is their relationship with Christ described in verse eight and what is their reward in verse nine? Relate this to John 20:29 & 2 Corinthians 5:7. What do you discover about the prophets and the salvation message from verse ten to twelve of the text? Relate this to Mathew 13:17. How can believers enjoy peace when they are far from home/foreigners and facing all kinds of trials according to this text? What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) MEMORY CHALLENGE: Record the passage that you have selected for the memory challenge? 16

What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Apostle of Jesus Christ, God s elect/chosen people, living as strangers/foreigners in the world, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God/chosen long ago, sanctifying work of the Spirit/His spirit has made you holy, grace and peace, all praise to God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, New birth into a living hope, resurrection of Jesus Christ, inheritance that can never perish, shielded by God s power, faith of great worth than gold and any other words and phrases that you have identified. PRAYER: Have you identified the people facing persecution that you will pray for, for the next ten weeks of study? 18

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? Consider the things Peter says in verse one and two about our identity as Christians and state how this should affect our attitude and behavior as Christians? In light of what the text says in verse six to nine, why should a Christian be joyful in adversity? 19

If you knew you were about to enter a difficult set of circumstances that would test your faith, how would you prepare yourself? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 20

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: The author of the Book introduces himself in a brief and modest manner, Peter succinctly states his credentials by describing himself simply as an apostle of Jesus Christ, which literally means one who is sent, as an accredited messenger of Jesus Christ. His office as an apostle bestows a unique authority upon him to address his readers in the name and on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ and so the letter he is about to compose is to be received as a divinely authoritative word. This is a person acting with full authority for another; and the early church recognized certain men who had seen the risen Jesus as apostles. He addressed the people as God s chosen people, also referred to as God s elect in other versions which was an ancient term for Israel (1Chronicles 16:13, Psalm 105:6). In this context Peter speaks of Christians as the heirs of the divine privileges, bestowed out of divine love, but they are also heirs of divinely imposed responsibilities. Peter also calls his readers strangers in the world, a term that refers to temporary residents as aliens in a foreign place. The third way Peter describes his readers is that they are scattered through out certain named areas of the Roman Empire. The dispersion was a term used to describe Jews scattered throughout Gentile nations, dispersed from their ancient earthly homeland, Israel. In our time, God s elect are those who live noticeable different lives because of their faith in Christ, just as the people Peter was addressing. The divine choice of believers in this text, is according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, it implies God s intention all along and his ability to bring his desired end to Pass (Acts 2:23, Romans 8:29). And this divine purpose is fulfilled through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. It is he who sets in motion and will ultimately complete the 21

process of making believers what God has in mind for them to become (Philippians 1:6). The result of the divine election and the sanctifying work of the Spirit is the believer s obedience to Jesus Christ, who shed his blood for them. And in this case as a result of their position as chosen people, the believers lived a life of obedience to God. And all though the status of believers is pilgrims in this world, Peter reminds his readers that all is known to God and has been taken care of in his perfect plan of salvation. The use of grace and peace define in a nutshell the extent of the mighty benefits of Christ s saving acts. The prayer of abundance of grace and peace is simply a prayer of multiplication of grace and peace to be enjoyed by every individual. The multiplication of peace implies a quality of personal inward peace that is independent of worldly circumstances because it is God given, God inspired, and God created. Peter therefore prays that God will give them more and more grace and peace; possibly to help them in the situation they were facing (Persecution). Peter also praises God as the Father of his unique Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and as the one who raised him from the dead. He also blesses God for the new creation as expressed in the new birth of believers and of the provision of an inheritance of a promised land in heaven, safe beyond the slavery of sin or any kind of foes. As Christians they have the living hope, hope that is generated in the believer by the new spiritual life brought about by the new birth. This living hope highlights the fact that the present life is by no means the limit of the believer s expectations. The living hope in a believer has an assurance beyond any human power; such hope can no more fail than the living God who bestows it. The believer s inheritance is safely beyond the clutches of earthly enemies and of evil spiritual powers for it is kept in heaven, in safe custody on behalf of believers. But despite being God s elect they were facing persecution and the apostle assures them that God knows them and he chose them, therefore what they are facing should not make them feel like God has forgotten or neglected them. They are also being assured that they can live with great expectation because of what God has done 22

for them through Christ, they are born again. What God has done for them and the promises that they cling to are things that cannot be taken away from them by the pain or the suffering they are facing: New birth, the inheritance reserved for them and God s protection. They are being shielded by God s power that is by one who is all knowing about the future and all sufficient to support those who belong to him in anything they may have to meet. Believers are being called to greatly rejoice or be glad because they have every right to do so. This term has strong eschatological overtones; a joy out of this world. This is a jubilant and thankful exultation for some divine action. It is their joy in Christ that maters even though they have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. But in whatever color troubles appear, God s grace will always match them and prove perfectly sufficient. The trials that Peter talks about, will also sort out those who are full of faith from others whose profession is less than whole hearted. The purpose of these trials is to bring out loyalty to Christ in everyday living especially in times of pain. This is because the treasures of our faith are far greater in value and indeed in quality that any material thing like gold. The question for us would be can we live like this people in times of trials? There hope was the time of trials will end and they will eventually have wonderful joy ahead. Therefore trials should not blind our eyes to the joy ahead, and actually trials are just there to prove our faith genuine. Peter s readers never had the privilege to see Christ Jesus in the flesh, yet the in ability to see him in this world has not prevented them from becoming believers for faith does not depend on sight (2Cor 5:7). They are continuing to find love for the unseen Christ growing within them. His presence is real in their lives and they are being blessed by that. Peter therefore commends them for loving and trusting in Christ even though they had not seen him and he assures them of great reward when Christ is revealed to the world which is salvation of their souls. Finally, Christians are greatly favored for they already enjoy a foretaste of this great salvation that the inspired prophets of the Old Testament 23

were able only to glimpse. Even angels despite their exalted status do not know the range and detail of the divine plan. DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THE TEXT: Apostle: One who is sent and acting in full authority of another in this case acting in full authority from God. Peter was confirming his calling as God sent Strangers & scattered: Were words used by Jews living outside Palestine as foreigners and in exile. Chosen: Set apart as inheritors of God s covenant Sanctifying: To sanctify is to make holy and when used of people, sanctification means the process by which the Holy Spirit transforms us as children of God. Grace: God s unmerited favor to humanity (Receiving the good you don t deserve). But in this text Peter may be referring to the enabling grace for daily Christian living. Peace: Wholeness and well being in all creation, thus to wish someone peace is to wish them God s presence and the personal fulfillment, completeness and wholeness that flows from that presence. Praise: Making statements about who someone is and what he has done in order for you to honor him. Hope: This is sure expectation of what you are expecting Salvation: Peter speaks of it as a future event and in this sense salvation means a persons deliverance from God s wrath on the Day of Judgment. Glad: Pleasurable emotion due to well being or satisfaction, for a Christian this would come from a sense that his deepest needs are met 24

permanently. Souls: Jews like Peter believed that when God breathed life into matter it became a soul a living being. SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1 Peter 1:6-7 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 25

WEEK 2: Living in reverent fear Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also take time to read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the text as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 1:13-2:3 (NLT) So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God s obedient children. Don t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the scriptures say, you must be holy because I am holy. And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as foreigners in the land. For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the scriptures say, people are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever. And that word is the Good 26

News that we preached to you. 1Peter 2:1-3 (NLT) So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord s kindness. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 27

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: From this text, how should the Good News of salvation affect the believers emotions and practical details of everyday life and their relations with others? What should be their action and focus according to verse thirteen of the text? How are they expected to live their lives according to verse fourteen? Relate this text to the following passages Romans 12:2 & Ephesians 4:17-18. In what area are they being called to imitate God s character as indicated in verse fifteen and sixteen? Relate this text to 2Corinthians 7:1, 1Thessalonians 4:7 & 1John 3:3, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7 28

How do you see God presented as an impartial judge in verse seventeen of the text? How did God buy their salvation and what has happened to them as a result of this from verse eighteen to verse twenty-five of the text? Relate this to John 1:29, Hebrews 9:14, John 14:6: What should characterize their relationships according to verse twenty two of the text? Relate this to John 13:34, & Romans 12:10. What should they get rid off according to 1Peter 2:1? Relate this to Ephesians 2:22, 31. 29

What should they crave for as indicated in 1peter 2:2? What are the key words and phrases in the text that need to be defined and explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 30

Day 3: Take time to pray and read the text again and go through the observations made. INTERPRETATION: Write a summary of the observations made and what this text means to you as an individual? What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Exercise self control, gracious salvation, Jesus Christ is revealed to the world, live as God s obedient children, do not slip back into your old ways of living, be holy in everything you do, heavenly Father has no favorites, judge or reward according to what you do, live in reverent fear, God paid a ransom to save you, empty life you inherited from your 31

ancestors, sinless spotless lamb of God, cleansed from sin when you obeyed the truth, love each other deeply, your new life will last forever, word of God remains forever, PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 32

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? What does Peter mean when he says don t slip back to your old ways of living in verse fourteen and be holy in verse fifteen of the text? How can you avoid slipping back as a Christian in this age? Two aspects of God s nature are stated in verse seventeen of the text, Father and Judge. What does this mean to you? 33

Why should knowledge of verse eighteen to twenty one move us to pursuing holy character? How might an honest attempt to be holy improve your relationship with people close to you? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 34

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, the interpretations and applications made SUMMARY: Following an opening blessing of God and an assurance to the believers of their favor with God as cause for rejoicing in 1Peter 1:1-12, the author shifts to direct exhortation which is necessary if Peters readers are to live consistently with who they are in Christ. He draws out the first set of behavioral consequences. The believers are to prepare their minds for action; this means a deliberate effort to put aside any distractions which would hinder their growth in grace. Peter is simply calling the believers to a Christ centered attitude of mind that shapes and directs personal conduct. He also encourages them through the future salvation that will come to them. This means they have every reason to look at the future with confidence; even though they face trials, they can enjoy the complete assurance that in God s hands life has a wonderful purpose. They are to be as obedient children, and every action they take should be motivated by obedience whether in the small and everyday matters of life as well as in the great issues. They are no longer to allow their former unspiritual influences to dominate their day to day actions. In this text, Peter is implying that it is possible to live wholly for God, but at that moment his readers or at least some of them were in danger of slipping back into their old ways and that amounts to leaving God. It is clear from this text that the character of believers should be radically different from what it was before receiving the new birth in Christ. They are being called to be holy and holiness requires work that is why the believers are told to prepare their minds for work or action. They are to be holy because they are God s children and expected to imitate his character. This means they are to express God s nature in all their activities. Peter justifies this command on the basis of his readers 35

relationship with God both as his children and as believers in God. He presses the point that the new birth given by God the Father necessarily implies a decisively altered way of life that is characterized by the new knowledge of God and Christ. Their holiness is to correspond to the holiness of the one who has called them, whom Peter has already identified as God himself. To be holy means that Christians must conform their thinking and behavior to God s character. This call to holiness is concerned with one s whole life; the idea is to live differently not just to practice religion differently. God is also presented as an impartial Father who has no favorites; there is therefore no excuse for bad behavior. He is the impartial judge, and the intimate relationship between the believer in Christ and God as Father does not give license to the Christians to live as he or she wishes, for God judge s morality impartially. This means believers should expect Fatherly discipline, therefore their knowledge of him as Father should not dispel their dread of him as judge. In light of their relationship with God believers are to live as foreigners in the present world and in reverent fear. This is the proper esteem of an obedient and happy child secure in a close and warm relationship with a much admired Father. The cost of this relationship is the blood of Christ that delivers men and women from their past life, an empty life that was passed down from their ancestors. This sacrifice had already been prepared before the creation of the world, it was not an after thought hastily produced in order to remedy a human situation that had gone unexpectedly wrong. The believer s acceptance of Christ as Savior has the consequence that Jesus holy life is now within them. This new life should constantly prompt believers to grow in grace and to grow more Christ like in moral purity. Imitating Christ in this context means imitating his love for others therefore Christians should love one another deeply from the heart. This means that by increasingly becoming Christ like, their relationship to fellow believers benefits too. Without the purification which flows from the new birth, believers could not show genuine Christian love for others, but because they are born again they are able 36

to love. This love for one another would also be an immense source of mutual encouragement to stand together in the face of persecution. Our human life is brief but our love for one another should be steadfast. Peter also speaks bluntly that the believer s new life in Christ has no place for any sort of misconduct. Some characters or behaviors should not be found in those who have God as their Father. He gives a comprehensive list of the ills to which the human heart is host and he commands the believers to rid themselves of them all. This literally means to put off or discard. In the place of the destructive attitudes that must be banished, the apostle charges his readers with positive action. Rather than craving what is not right, Christians should crave pure spiritual milk, they should only desire that which will enable them to grow in their faith as Christians. DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THE TEXT: Self controlled: To be sober, of sound mind that is not drunk or deluded Conform: Do not slip back, do not be shaped by the evil desires Holy: Set apart for God s purposes Reverent fear: The fear of God is not terror of punishment for the slightest broken rule; rather it is awe in the face of the holy God. Redeem/save: Paying a ransom to redeem takes the picture of someone freeing a slave by buying him from his master. Purified/cleansed: Means sanctified Love your brothers: Affection and feeling of closeness and kinship, we are family Love one another: Godlike and Christ like love that chooses to sacrifice 37

self for the beloved s good that takes no account of the beloved s worthiness. Deeply: This indicates fervent action rather than fervent feeling Heart: The center of will, emotion and intellect Rid yourself/get rid of: Literally means putting off, for instance in early Christian practice removal of clothing before baptism signified rejection of pagan lifestyle and putting on white robes after baptism symbolized clothing oneself with Christ s character. Spiritual milk: Means the word Babies: New birth SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1Peter 1:14-16 So you must live as God s obedient children. Don t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the scriptures say, you must be holy because I am holy. 38

WEEK 3: Living stones Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also take time to read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read it as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 2:4-10 (NLT) You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the scriptures say, I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. Yes you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, the stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. And, He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they do not obey God s word and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God s mercy. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 39

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: How is Christ described in verse four of the text and how did people treat him? Relate this verse to Psalm 118:22 & Isaiah 28:16 How are the people described in verse five of the text and what do they offer to God? Relate the text to Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6, Ephesians 2:21-22, Hebrews 13:15 What is the role of the cornerstone as explained in verse six to eight of the text and what happens to those who trust him and to those who reject him? Relate the text to Romans 9:32-33, Ephesians 2:19-20, Mathew 21:42 & Acts 4:10-12 40

How different are the recipients of this letter to those who reject the cornerstone as explained in verse nine of the text? Relate this text to Deuteronomy 7:6 What is the identity of the people as described in verse ten of the text? Relate this text to what Romans 9:25 says 41

What are the key words and phrases in the text that need to be defined and explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 42

Day 3: Take time to pray and read the text again and go through the observations made. INTERPRETATION: Write a brief summary of the observations and what this text means to you? What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? 43

What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Living cornerstone of God s Temple, chosen by God, you are living stones that God is building, you are his holy priest, you offer spiritual sacrifices, he is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall, you are chosen people, a holy nation, called out of darkness into his wonderful light, once you had no identity, PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 44

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? What do you learn about Jesus from the metaphors living stone cornerstone and capstone? In what ways are you like Jesus as explained in verse five of the text and what does that mean to you? 45

Christians are living stones being built into a spiritual temple according to verse five. What does this image imply about how you should view yourself, other Christians and the church as a whole? See also 1Corinthians 3:9-16 & Ephesians 2:19-22 Explain in your own words what verse six b means to you, specifically the statement and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. If you and other Christians are holy priests, what does this identity imply about your: Relationship towards God? Your purpose in life? 46

Your relationship with other Christians? Your relationship towards unbelievers? What is the benefit of being given an identity as the people of God as indicated in verse ten of the text? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? 47

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 48

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, the interpretations and applications made SUMMARY: The metaphors in the text change to living stones, with Christ supremely as the living stone. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. This text introduces the theme of the verse: the stone as relating to Christ and to those who accepted him and to those who rejected him. But to term Christ as a stone that is living and to go on to use similar language of his followers is a startling paradox, for a stone is anything but alive. Yet the symbolism is perfectly understandable in the light of Christ s resurrection and the life giving power that flows from it. And you are living stones would mean that we posses a family likeness to Jesus Christ, a likeness that was brought into being by rebirth into the divine family through the power of Christ s resurrection. And God has a great plan for this living stones which is being built together into a spiritual house. Each believer is therefore being built up personally in the faith, as individual spiritual growth takes place. At the same time, each believer is being fashioned to fit into a predetermined and unique place in the overall divine blue print, therefore each is being built into and made a part of God s house. This means that each believer is part of a spiritual structure made up of people. The house is to be no ordinary dwelling but a temple for it exists for the sole purpose of worshiping God. Believers are also the holy priesthood serving in this structure, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Peter points a contrast to the Old Testament worship, where the Israelites had a house of God, the Temple in Jerusalem, but was built of dead stones. We Christians are a spiritual house of God, built with living stones. The other contrast is that the Israelites approached God through a special priesthood, composed only of Levites, but now all Christians are the holy priesthood. Levites offered material sacrifices, but we offer 49

spiritual sacrifices like the sacrifice of praise, prayer, etc. Sacrifices that are acceptable to God, not on the basis of the merit of the one who offers, but because they are offered through Jesus Christ, that is on the grounds of his perfect sacrifice. We may further view the concept of being built together to a spiritual structure to mean that salvation is not an individual matter but involves participation in the community of believers because together we form the spiritual structure. But Christ is the strong foundation stone of this spiritual structure, meaning the church is built on the foundation of Christ himself. But non believers are blind to this truth and that is why they reject him and thus stumble and fall over this stone. But for believers they are now the chosen people of God, a holy nation and a people belonging to God. This is an encouragement to believers rejected by men that they are precious to God. The application of the concept of the cornerstone to Christ is worth further explanation. It is worth noting that a cornerstone controls the design of the building and holds the structure together. In the New Testament the symbol of the foundation stone is used both of Christ and of the apostles and prophets, but only Christ combines the functions of both foundation stone and cornerstone, the former pointing to the total dependence of the church of believers upon Christ and the latter to the interrelationship and unity of believers with one another through their Lord. Christians by faith have their eyes opened to recognize the true worth and significance of the stone symbolism because it indicates the fundamental place of Christ in their lives. Therefore to believers this stone is precious and worthy of honor, but to those who reject this stone it results into their inevitable doom. The apostle also boldly claims the privileged position for the Christians, the chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. A statement that promises such a standing before God to those who are loyal to his covenant; royal priesthood in this case applies to all believers in 50

general. And as members of a holy nation, all believers are set apart for God, but without geographic boundaries or without being limited to particular cultures, ages, or ethnic groups. The purpose to which this people are called is to show others the goodness of God, for he called them out of darkness into his wonderful light. The reminder that they are called out of darkness simply means they are to leave their past way of life that had kept them from the knowledge of his character and also from realizing the immense love he had for them. The status of the Christian readers is again defined but in different terms, once they had no identity as a people, which would mean those who did not count in God s program. But there has been a fundamental change now after undergoing a new spiritual birth; they have been brought into the divine family as full members. Once they had not received mercy, but now they have received mercy on account of the redeeming work of Christ. DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THIS TEXT: Cornerstone: The most important stone in a buildings foundation. Spiritual: Means spirit or Spirit, thus the house and the sacrifices are of or for the (Holy) Spirit or our human spirits. Priesthood: Consecrated and set apart for holy service. Praises of him/goodness of God: Mighty deeds Royal priesthood: By being reborn as God s children and heirs we have entered Jesus royal and priestly family. SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1Peter 2:5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 51

WEEK 4: Living honorably Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 2:11-17 (NLT) Dear friends, I warn you as temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. For the Lord s sake respect all human authority-whether the king as the head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God s slaves, so don t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God and respect the king. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 52

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What warning are the people given in verse eleven of the text? How does the warning in the text relate to the truths in Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:16 & James 4:1? How are they encouraged to live among their unbelieving brothers in verse twelve? Relate this text to the truth in Philippians 2:14-15. 53

How should they relate to the authorities according to verse thirteen and fourteen of the text? Relate this text to what Romans 13:1-7 & Titus 3:1 says. What should be the result of their honorable lives according to verse fifteen? Relate this to 1Peter 2:12 & 1Peter 3:17. How should they use their freedom according to verse sixteen? Relate this text to Galatians 5:13. How should they relate to all people, to God and to the king according to verse seventeen? Relate this text to Proverbs 24:21, Romans 12:10 & Romans 13:7. 54

What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Temporary residents and foreigners, worldly desires, unbelieving neighbors, honorable behavior, for the Lord s sake, it is God s will, you are free yet you are God s slaves, PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 57

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? Read the text again and list the titles used to describe Christians, how he commands them to behave and the motive he gives for each behavior and how that applies to your life? Explain what it means to live properly among unbelieving brothers in our time and point out anything that you feel Christians have done or are doing that does not qualify to living properly? 58

Explain in your own words the motive in verse twelve for living good lives and verse fifteen for submitting to authorities? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 59

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: The apostle now turns from the status of the Christians in all its security and privilege to deal with the problems of right conduct in their present circumstances. He considers their practical everyday behavior among those living around them who have no such relationship with God. The apostle is therefore calling the believers to avoid certain things and to live properly with the aim of witnessing through their honorable lives and to avoid giving grounds for accusations. The idea is Gods name should not be brought into disrepute. Peter addresses his readers as Dear friends a term in its original translation that embodied the love of God. His point is that they are bound to one another and to him not simply by natural affection, but by their common sharing in God s great love for them as believers in Jesus Christ. He begins by reminding them that they have no status as citizens in this world, which is a big contrast to their standing as regards heaven as explained in Ephesians 2:19 (NLT) You are citizens along with all of God s holy people. You are members of Gods family. This was probably to encourage them that even though they are foreigners or exiles at present, their stay is only transitory. They are pilgrims in the world and their true home is in heaven with their Lord. Therefore they are not to be conformed to the standards of conduct prevailing in the world since the worldly desires wage war against their souls. The phrase worldly desires is used in an ethical sense for that which is opposed to the influence of the Spirit. Living properly in this context therefore means having behavior that even non Christians will consider as good. The comparative difference in their lives must be evident to unbelievers, so that they will see your honorable behavior simply meaning they will gain insight through your behavior that is full of good deeds and honor God; and the accusations made against them 60

should not stand because they live honorable lives. To heed to the warning not to yield an inch to impulses to engage in self-indulgence is necessary not only for the Christians own well being, but as a positive witness to unbelievers. It is important to note that, the most saintly and innocent behavior is not going to prevent slanderous allegations being made, but the Christians response is to rebut such false charges by the quality of daily conduct. The believers Peter was addressing were living in a strongly centralized state with Roman governors and local kings subject to the emperor. And he called them to submission to a series of relationships. These verses should not be used to justify oppression or permit undermining of peoples human rights. What Peter is pointing out is that wherever Christians find themselves in relationship with other men they must behave in accordance with their high calling. The call of submission to the state probably arose from the temptation to rebellion occasioned by persecution; and the recognition in this text of imperial authority in no sense supports emperor worship, but simply indicates that God as a faithful creator provides for the proper government of his creatures. At this time, the relationship of Christians to the state was one which soon became problematic, for in the early centuries of the church all states not only were governed by pagans but included pagan worship within their social, economic and political systems. And a collision with the church, owing its primary allegiance not to the state but to Jesus Christ was inevitable. Therefore despite the fact that the current emperor in Rome was Nero, Peter could still press his readers to be good citizens and obey the government, to submit to every authority instituted among men for the Lord s sake. The purpose of this call is that by doing good they would silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Ignorant talk in this context means making groundless accusations against believers by those who are unaware of the spiritual motive for the way Christians behave. And the Christians honorable lives as indicated in verse fifteen of the text should produce conviction of sin in the lives of those who slander them. Many Christians at this time were in fact slaves, but in Christ Jesus 61

they had become God s free men, for that is what they are, irrespective of their worldly status. Even so, they must surrender their freedom to the will of God and enter into voluntary bondage. The paradox of submission and liberty is brought out by Peter s description of believers as slaves of God. This means that their freedom comes with responsibility, not to use their freedom as a cover up for evil. Christian freedom does not mean being free to do as we like; it means being free to do as we ought. They should also not abuse their freedom by doing wrong or being rude to others, but use it as liberty to serve God. As much as they are free from the tyranny of the state, they are citizens of heaven. And honoring God as indicated in this text is associated with honoring those in authority. The call to respect everyone in verse seventeen, means that we Christians should take up once for all as a permanent stance the attitude of respect for all. In practice this works out as continuously loving the brotherhood of believers, fearing God and honoring the king. DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THIS TEXT: Keep away from: Abstain Worldly desires: Sinful desires, fleshly lusts War against your souls: The New Testament uses the imagery of warfare to depict the inner human moral struggle. Live properly: Manner of life or conduct Unbelieving neighbors: Pagans, people who were not Christians Accuse you of doing wrong: This phrase suggests that Christians were objects of blind suspicions and detestations and victimization. See your honorable behavior: Godly conduct was recognized as a missionary instrument. 62

When he judges the world: On the day he visits Respect/Submit: A voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility and carrying a burden. To rank under or place under the command of To punish: The state taking vengeance on the culprit To silence: To muzzle. The quality of a Christian s life should stop opponents bark and bite. Ignorant: Means the opponents lack of spiritual understanding of Christian values SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1 Peter 2:15 It is God s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 63

WEEK 5: Living in respect to authority Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 2:18-25 (NLT) You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you-not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example and you must follow his steps. he never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 64

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATIONS: How are the people who are slaves encouraged to live with their masters in verse eighteen of the text? Compare this text to the lesson in Ephesians 6:5-9 & James 3:17. What pleases God as stated in verse nineteen and twenty of the text? What has God called them to do according to verse twenty one and who is their example? What example has Christ set for them as stated in verse twenty two and three of the text? Relate this text to Isaiah 53:7 65

What else has Christ done for them as stated in verse twenty four and what does that mean to us? Compare this to Isaiah 53:4. How do you understand the description in verse twenty five of the text? Compare it to Isaiah 53:6 What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) 66

MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 67

Day 3: Take time to pray and read the text again and go through the observations made. INTERPRETATION: Write a brief summary of the observations made and what this text means to you as an individual? What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: You who are slaves, accept authority of masters, God is pleased with you, patiently endure unfair treatment, suffer for doing good, God called you to do good, he left his case in the hands 68

of God, judges fairly, carried our sins, dead to sin, Shepherd, Guardian of your souls, PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 69

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In what situation is it not commendable to endure suffering according to verse twenty and why? Think about your relationship with those who are over you, how do you respond to them as people in authority? 70

Can you think of any practical ways you could begin applying any insight you found in this text? How will you develop the attitude or adopt the behavior Peter commends in this text? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 71

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: After addressing the relationship between Christians and the state authorities, Peter now comes to the second fundamental social institution which is the household and the exhortation is addressed to household slaves. It is evident that most of these slaves were enduring persecution at the hands of the unconverted masters whose legal authority over them was virtually absolute. These masters would at best be described as unsympathetic to a novel religion preaching freedom and speaking of another and superior master. Peter does not condemn slavery in his address probably because he expected believers to accept the sovereign will of God in whatever social position their lot is cast. In this passage, Peter calls the slaves to submit to their owners, following Christ s example because he too endured suffering that he did not deserve at the hands of cruel men. Once more not revolt or even flight, but submissive acceptance of unjust punishment is required both out of respect for the master and of conscience towards God. They are to treat their situation as a daily opportunity to witness by bearing up, as Jesus did under every grade of persecution, from a small injustice to actual bodily harm. Their constancy in bearing whatever they have to suffer in the course of duty is a powerful sign to those over them that they posses inner resource beyond the natural. But they also need to remember that there is no merit in enduring deserved punishment. Bearing up stoically under punishment for say, insubordination or inefficiency, is hardly meritorious since the penalty is deserved. But on occasions punishment may be meted out when some good actions is misconstrued, either by accident or by design, it is in such a situation that believers are to reveal their Christ centered life. Such acceptance of unjust suffering is commendable before God. And it is to this attitude of patient endurance in the face of undeserved suffering that Christians are called and Christ is the supreme example. Quoting four passages from Isaiah, Peter recognizes the Lord Jesus as 72

the suffering servant of Jehovah and presents him to other suffering servants as their pattern, the word translated as example. The apostle is not suggesting that disciples must expect to face exactly the same kind of suffering as their master, but they are to accept the call to suffering for Christ s sake in whatever way it may be presented to any individual believer, and to follow it through on the lines traced out by Jesus as the supreme exemplar. The text in verse twenty two reiterates Jesus innocence not only on the accusations leveled at him by human opponents, but also in the sight of God. In this context, Peter is not aimed at addressing the perfection of Christ, but he is drawing attention to the totally undeserved nature of his suffering. This text is mentioned to show that his suffering was innocent as that of Christians must be if their patient endurance of punishment is to be valuable in God s sight or effective testimony before men. In this text we also learn to leave the matter in God s just hands even as Jesus left his case in the hands of God. This means that believers are not left to face suffering in their own strength, which might well prove inadequate, but in the same confidence that Jesus had, they are to hand over their whole situation to God who will judge justly. Believers need to also understand that as much as they are slaves, they are valuable to God who sent his son to die for them; they are therefore not exempted but included in the works of Christ and its benefits. This simply means that the righteous and innocent one suffered the penalty for the misdeeds of the ungodly and guilty, so that they might die to sin and live for righteousness. This indicates that Christ s death enables believers, now separated from their old sins, to live a life that is right with God in accordance with the divine will. The image used in verse twenty five that once you were like sheep who wandered away simply reminds the readers of their situation before they became believers, but now they have returned or been converted to Christ the shepherd of their souls. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Slaves: Unfree house hold servants who were by the first century mainly those who had been born into slave families, the descendants 73

of people captured in earlier wars. Respect: Literally fear Submit: Accept Reasonable: Considerate, gentle, fair, lenient etc Cruel: Harsh, crooked, bent; metaphorically awkward to deal with Christ s example: Jesus modeled both the character and the actions of a commendable sufferer. SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1 Peter 2:18 You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you-not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 74

WEEK 6: Living lives that win others to Christ Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NLT) In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be worn over by observing your pure and reverent lives. Don t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husband might do. In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 75

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What are wives called to do in verse one and two of this passage and what will their godly lives result to? Relate this text to 1Corinthians 7:16, 1Corinthians 9:19 & Ephesians 5:21-29. What should be the focus of women as stated in verse three to four of the text? Relate this text to 1Timothy 2:9-10 76

Whose example are the women called to emulate in verse five and six of the text? What are the husbands called to do in verse seven of the text and why? Relate this to Ephesians 5:25-30 and Colossians 3:19 What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) 77

MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 78

What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: In the same way, accept the authority, your godly lives, won over, pure and reverent lives, outward beauty, clothe yourself, beauty that comes from within, precious to God, holy women of old, called him her master, 80

PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 81

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In your understanding, what light does the phrase in the same way found in verse one and seven of the text shed on marital relations? Think about the phrase reverent lives found in verse two of the text; what attitudes does it include? 82

What characteristics in a wives life would show reverence towards God that will win over an unbelieving husband? In verse six, Peter exhorts wives to imitate Sarah by not giving way to fear. What do you think he means? That is, what wrong fear might he be contrasting with the reverent fear stated in verse two? Give examples of how a husband can honor his wife and treat her with understanding as required in verse seven? What is the significance of the description Peter gives of women in verse seven as weaker than you are but your equal partner in marriage relations? 83

Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 84

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: This passage begins with the words in the same way, signifying that the instructions are modeled on those to slaves. But the introduction does not in anyway suggest that the relationship between wives and husbands is like that of slaves and masters. Instead the phrase in the same way should be understood as a connective meaning no more than the conjunction and. The address is not to women in general but to wives, who are encouraged to submit to their unbelieving husbands with the hope of winning them to Christ; just as citizens should submit to ruling authorities (2:13) and slaves to their masters (2:18). It is however interesting to note that Peter in his address with his context in mind, concentrated in the household code on those in the relationship who have less power. For instance, masters are not addressed at all and wives in this specific text receive an exhortation of six verses, whereas husbands are addressed in one verse. This is because the position of women in the ancient world was never an easy one. In Roman, Greek and Jewish cultures women were subject to the authority of their husbands. Therefore the length of advice to women as compared to men may be because they were in far more need of support and guidance in what would be a tricky situation. Wives are enjoined to submit and it is evident from verse one, that the wives of unbelievers are particularly in view, although it is likely that all wives are in view as well. Voluntary submission is in view here, simply because husbands do not have the responsibility to ensure that wives submit to them. Peter hoped that submission and godly behavior would become the means by which unbelieving husbands would be converted to the Christian faith. When Peter wrote this text, he knew that it would be futile to try to overturn the social structure of his day and his primary concern was the conversion of unbelieving husbands, 85

not the pursuit of female rights. Hence submission is commended for the sake of the mission of the church. Wives are therefore called upon to live out the gospel before their husbands; the primary influence on husbands will not be the speech of wives but their godly behavior. As we think through the call of submission, I wish to clarify that nowhere did Peter or the rest of the New Testament teach that women are inferior to men, that they are intellectually substandard or that they are more prone to wickedness. Indeed Peter emphasizes that wives are coheirs with husbands of eternal life (3:7), implying the fundamental equality of men and women. It is clear that wives should not focus on speaking words to their husbands in attempting to persuade them to believe. Husbands are apt to be impressed with the Christian faith as they observe their wives pure conduct; this would be viewed as presence evangelism. Peter commended seeing rather than talking as the means by which wives should influence their husbands. What should be emphasized here is that the word translated reverent would mean fear when literally translated. But the fear in this text is not directed to the husband but it is directed to God. A scholar by the name Slaughter rightly says wives do not submit in order to satisfy a husband s vanity or to promote his reputation. Neither do they submit to show how godly they are, nor to avoid conflict, nor to impress the neighbors, nor to manipulate their husbands nor not even because she thinks he is wise. She submits because of her relationship with and trust in God. It was common in the Greco-Roman world to admonish women to dress modestly instead of ostentatiously or seductively. What peter wrote in this text, therefore would not come as a shock to his readers. Peter did not prohibit women from wearing their hair nicely or from wearing any jewellery at all, but he prohibited them from spending an excessive amount of money on their outward adornment or from wearing clothing that is seductive. It is certainly right for every Christian to be neatly dressed: a dowdy, unkempt appearance is no advertisement for 86

a gospel of grace. But Peter has in mind unnecessary extravagance in his reference to braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. He continues to say that the adornment that God desires is not external but internal. In brief, Peter was emphasizing that wives should not focus on hairstyle, jewellery and clothing but on who they are in relationship to God, on their inner self. This is an echo of 1Samuel 16:7 people judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. In other words what a person is on the inside does not remain hidden but manifests itself in the way wives behave in everyday life. In particular, wives should strive for a gentle and quiet spirit. Wives are to emulate the example of the holy women of the past, with the knowledge that inner character is more important than outward beauty. A question we could ask ourselves is what constitutes appropriate behavior for a wife in our days? Note that in Peter s time, husbands were always in position of authority. He was not encouraging oppression in the home but lives that win others for Christ. Calling one to submit does not mean that she should be treated as underclass. This same call is made to the husbands in 1Peter 3:7; this would be related to Paul s instructions in Ephesians 5:21 and further submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This indicates that marriage has reciprocal obligations that form the foundation of a loving relationship. Having addressed Christian wives on their responsibilities, Peter now turns to the husbands. The teaching of the New Testament brought about a revolutionary concept of marriage between believers. Now the union involved a new and liberating attitude. While Christian wives were still bidden to be faithful to their spouses, Christian husbands also must now take on obligations towards their wives. Believing husbands are to be considerate, understanding and sensitive to their wives feelings. They must be courteous in their behavior and treat their wives with respect as the weaker partner. It is also clear that Christian wives and husbands share spiritual rights and privileges as equals, for they are alike living stones being built in a spiritual house for God s service. They are together equal partners in 87

God s gift of new life. The reason for this whole new attitude toward the marriage contract between Christian believers is so your prayers will not be hindered. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Weaker than you: Weaker partner, literally means weaker vessel which means weaker physically They will be won over: The Greek verb Kerdainein, whenever used in the NT with this meaning, always represents humility as an instrument of conversion Pure: Separation from the world Beauty that comes from within: The hidden person of the heart Unfading: Imperishable Gentle: Mild, benevolent, not pushing or insisting on one s own rights Quiet: Calm SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) Don t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 88

WEEK 7: Living a good life Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:8-22 (NLT) Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. Don t repay evil for evil. Don t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do and he will bless you for it. For the scriptures say, if you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. So he went and preached to the spirits in prison- those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were 89

saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 90

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What are the Christians encouraged to do in verse eight and nine of the text above? Relate this to Romans 15:5, Ephesians 4:2, 32, Mathew 5:44, Romans 12:17-19, 1Thessalonians 5:15. What warning are they given in verse ten and eleven if they want to enjoy life and see many happy days? Relate this to Psalm 34:12-14. What does God do for those who do right and those who do evil according to verse twelve of the text? Relate this to Psalm 34:15-16. 91

What should the people do in the midst of suffering as stated in verse thirteen to fourteen of the text and what promise do they have from God? Relate this to Titus 2:14 What must they do as stated in verse fifteen and sixteen in the passage above? Relate this to Colossians 4:6 What reminder are they given in verse seventeen? What did Christ do for them as indicated in verse eighteen to nineteen and how does that relate to the teaching that they should suffer for doing good and not for doing wrong? Relate this to Ephesians 2:18 & Hebrews 9:28 92

What story is being explained in the passage in verse twenty to twenty one in relation to what Christ did for them: Relate this to Genesis 6:1-7:24. Where is Christ seated according to verse twenty two and who submits to his authority? Relate this to Mathew 28:18, Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:4, 6; 4:14. What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) 93

MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 94

What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Finally, one mind, pay them back with a blessing, the eyes of the Lord, his ears are open, the Lord turns his face against, eager to do good, worship Christ as Lord, you belong to Christ, suffer for doing good, Christ suffered for our sins, preached to the spirits in prison, picture of baptism, PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 96

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In verse eight of this text, the apostle lists five adjectives describing the attitudes with which Christians should treat other people especially Christians. List the five adjectives and rate yourself on how you have lived them out in your relations with other Christians? 97

Why is harmony among Christians crucial and how can this be achieved among Christians in the same church, in different denominations and Christians in the whole world? Read the following verses and state what would hinder harmony among Christians: 1Corinthians 6:7-8, Mathew 6:14-15, Mathew 7:1-3 98

How can Christians settle disagreements according to these verses: Mathew 5:21-24, Mathew 18:15-17 The text you read in 1Peter 3:9 exhorts you to pay those who insult you with a blessing. How can you apply this in your life? Relate this to Luke 6:27-36 What can you do this week to pursue peace? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? 99

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 100

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: This passage begins with the term finally, the intention is not to end the letter but to complete this passage, by giving a general exhortation to the whole Christian community, married and unmarried alike. Verse eight summarizes appropriate relationships in the community, emphasizing particularly the need for brotherly love. Being of one mind means that Christian believers should live in harmony with one another; a unity of aim and purpose, a oneness in attitude. This unity among believers was in any case highly necessary in the hostile environment in which they were living. The believers must also be sympathetic; sharing in one another s feelings simply meaning that believer s hearts should go out to one another in love, during times of joy as well as sorrow. They must also love one another as brothers and sisters for in truth they belong to one family of God in Christ. They are to be tender hearted caring deeply for one another and also be humble towards one another because harmony and humility belong together, for the primary means by which harmony is disrupted is pride and self-assertion. Looking at all these words, obeying them would lead to smooth relationships within the church. Verse nine of the text seems to direct attention to how believers should respond to unbelievers who mistreat them. Peter emphasizes that those who inflict evil or hurl insults at believers should not be repaid in kind as tempting as it might be to strike back. These admonitions are rooted in the teachings of Jesus himself. For example in Luke 6:28-29 we find this exhortation Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Instead of insulting others or responding in kind, believers are called on to bless others. By blessing, Peter means that believers are to ask God to show his favor and grace upon those who have conferred injury upon them. Because they have been called to bless others and they will 101

themselves be blessed for it. By blessing we are seeking the highest good of others that is by what we are and what we say. From this text it would be a betrayal of the high moral standard expected by Jesus of those claiming to be his disciples if they repay evil with evil or insult with insult. The apostle backs his teaching by quoting Psalm 34:12-16, and in this text the question is who would like to live a long and happy life? The psalmist s words spell out the practical conditions involved. The heirs of blessing must keep the tongue from evil, avoid malicious and bitter words that disparage another person and are calculated to hurt; they are to keep their lips from deceitful speech. From referring to speech, Peters thoughts turn to actions, but the two aspects of words and deeds are not to be separated. According to verse eleven, the Christian life is not one of passivity; this is because a life of goodness does not simply happen as believers meditate quietly in their rooms. Believers must make a conscious effort to turn from evil. They must devote themselves to what is good. This means not to lean towards evil, not even to give it a passing thought as to whether some advantageous end might result from unworthy means. Christians are to be engaged in God s work, they are to do good. But as they do this there must be intense and persistent efforts to seek peace and pursue it. The Psalm quotation goes on to reassure the loyal people of God who walk in his ways that the divine watchful care is unceasing; God s eyes are watching and his ears are attentive. This is a Biblical way of describing God s personal concern for his own. The emphasis in verse thirteen is that no one can ultimately harm those who are zealous in doing good. The rhetorical question in this text expects the answer nobody but this does not deny the possibility that persecution, difficulty and suffering will be encountered by the people of God. The apostles words in this text could be viewed to mean that no temporal suffering can do them permanent harm or alter their standing with God. The believer s eagerness to do good is a matter of obedience to God s will. But even if believers, like their master should suffer in spite of their right conduct, then there is still a spiritual plus which adversaries cannot filch from them; they are blessed. 102

Peter also calls the believers to set a part Christ as Lord of their hearts; they must worship Christ as Lord of their lives regardless of the situation they face. This would mean the individual devotion to Christ is the believers source of strength whenever it proves impossible to meet with others in worship. While Christians are not exempt from troubles, neither are they the only ones who face them. But there is a great difference: believers are aware that there are divine resources available to faith. So unlike nonbelievers, they have no need to be afraid. Peter also calls the believers to always be ready to explain their faith to anyone who asks, this may also be a call to readiness to respond to accusations of alleged wrong doing; for the Greek word translated answer is apologia, meaning a defense. But this defense should be given in a gentle and respectful way. What Peter is pointing out to the believers is that a quiet dignity is far more effective than any amount of argument or belligerence. Also the subject of discussion itself demands respect i.e. reverence. This is a great lesson to all Christians that what they answer in words has to be supported by character. Verse seventeen of the passage is a reminder that it is better to suffer for doing good; possibly with the aim that such patient endurance that is unexpected to unbelievers and so unnatural in their view would constitute a convincing witness to the power of the gospel to transform and empower human lives. Peter continues the discussion by pointing out that no person was less deserving of suffering than Jesus Christ, who went about doing so much good. Even the belief that was popular in their time that suffering must be due to sin did not apply to him, for his sharpest adversaries could pin nothing on him on that score. Yet God allowed him to die, the righteous one for the unrighteous many. Christ died for sins that is a perfect sin offering for the sins of others. And unlike the Old Testament sin offerings that were offered repeatedly, Christ s sacrifice was once for all, so that no further sacrifices for sins will ever again be needed. The main aim of what Christ did was to bring all who believe to God through salvation just as those who were saved during Noah s period which is a constant picture that is used to explain divine judgment. And after the sacrifice at the cross, Christ resurrected and this was followed by his triumphant 103

return to heaven where he was accorded a supreme place of honor at God s right hand. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Be of one mind: Live in harmony with one another Sympathize: Share the feelings of others Tenderhearted: Compassionate, of good heart or affection Humble attitude: Lowering oneself Blessing: Seeking their highest spiritual good Tongue: The influence of words for good or ill SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1 Peter 3:17 (NLT) Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 104

WEEK 8: Living for God Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 4:1-11 (NLT) So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had and be ready to suffer too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy-their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead-so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 105

RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 106

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What attitude are the Christians being asked to arm themselves with in verse one of the text and why? How will this attitude be of help to them in their faith as Christians according to verse two of the text? Relate this text to Romans 6:7, Galatians 2:20 & Colossians 3:5 What does it mean that they have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy as stated in verse three? List also the things the evil people do as stated in the text? Relate this text to Romans 13:13 & Ephesians 2:2 107

What response do they get from their former friends because of their new way of life according to verse four; and who will these former friends have to face as stated in verse five of the text and what will be the consequences? Relate this to Acts 10:42 What hope does the Good News give to all who receive it according to verse six of the text? 108

What are the Christians called to do in verse seven to nine of the text as they look forward to the end of the world? Relate this to Romans 13:11-12 What has God given to all the Christians as indicated in verse ten of the text and how are they encouraged to use it in verse eleven? Relate this to Romans 12:6-8 What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 109

What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: You must arm yourselves with the same attitude, be ready to suffer, you have finished with sin, chasing your own desires, anxious to do the will of God, you have had enough in the past of the evil things, plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things, they slander you, face God, live forever with God in the Spirit, variety of spiritual gifts 111

PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 112

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In 1Peter 4:1 Peter exhorts his readers to arm themselves with an attitude like Christ. In what sense have you suffered and so finished with sin by arming yourself with the same attitude? 113

What change should be evident in how you approach life in relation to verse two of the text? Are there desires you need to stop chasing? Not every non-christian indulges the desires that Peter lists in verse three of the text. Even so, explain how an apparently good non- Christian is nonetheless living for evil human desires and how you can win them over for Christ? Think about Peter s warning: The end of the world is coming soon in verse seven, in your own words describe the state of mind and behavior that confronting this fact should produce in us? 114

In Peter s day there were no descent hotels for ordinary people, so hospitality to traveling Christians was crucial. There were no church buildings, so Christians had to open their homes for meetings. How can we practice hospitality to fellow Christians in our time? Have you identified your spiritual gift? How do you plan to use your spiritual gift as encouraged in verse ten and eleven of the text? The passage for this week calls us to live for God, how will the lessons learnt help you as a Christian in your quest to live for God? 115

Think about the way of life that Peter urges in the passage of this week and also the motives he gives. Is there anything in Peter s words that you think should make a difference in the way you act in your current circumstances? If so write down how you would like this teaching to affect you and the practical steps you will take to implement the lessons learnt? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? 116

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 117

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: In this passage, Peter is addressing the situation in which the readers find themselves in, with the hope that imitation of Christ s suffering should inspire their willingness to overcome. His introduction states that the believers being mindful of the physical suffering that Christ endured, the readers should be armed with the same thought of suffering with patience. This means that just as Christ gave his all, including his very life in carrying out the will of God, his followers must resolve to go the same lengths. The phrase arm yourselves is a military metaphor and the image given by the term suggests conflict and in this context the attack is mounted by human beings against the believers. The call to be ready to suffer too just as Christ did should lead to one being done with sin because Christ dealt once and for all with the world s sin when he took it upon himself on the cross. And as they live the rest of their earthly lives they must constantly remind themselves that the power of the risen Christ is sufficient to enable them to pass each day in a manner pleasing to God. Verse three of this passage suggests that Peter s readers came from a pagan background, this is seen in the reminder he gives them you have had enough of the past that was characterized with sexual misconducts, drunkenness, and idolatry. Therefore the remaining part of their life should be spent living for God just as their new found faith requires. The encouraging thing is that the lives of these believers have been so turned around by their conversion to Jesus Christ such that their pagan friends are thoroughly bewildered. They fail to understand why their former friends are not joining them in their destructive life. And since they cannot understand this transformation, their only response is to slander them. But Peter assures the believers that one day this people will have to give account when they stand before God 118

for judgment and this judgment will involve both the living and the dead. And from their actions they will possibly have to answer for living ungodly lives and for reviling Christ s followers. But for those who received the Good News even though dead, they will live forever with God. Verse seven calls the believers to be earnest and disciplined in their prayers because the end of all things is near. This means that they should be clear minded about their true priorities and self-controlled. The reason for this watchful self-discipline is so they can pray. This is an emphasis to constant communication with God regardless of their current situation. They should therefore maintain uncluttered lines of communication with the Lord both to discern his will and to receive his direction for carrying it out. But as they do this, maintaining right relationships between them as believers is paramount, and this can only happen if they share God s love amongst themselves. Peter supports this statement by quoting the Old Testament for love covers a multitude of sins. (Proverbs 10:12). Love here refers to Christ s love; and Christian love is but a reflection of that of the Lord Jesus and that is unique because it alone can cover over sins. But this love should be practical and in this context expressed by showing hospitality to one another cheerfully, simply meaning, without grumbling. Peter goes further to talk about Christian service which takes a multitude of forms and everyone in God s family has a apart to play. This is because God has gifted people differently and the expectation is that each one will use his/her gift to serve others. In relation to this week s study on living for God, this verse would mean that identifying and using your gift is part of living for God; if you miss this out then you will be failing in Christian living as expected from the scriptures. And whatever may be the feeling of inadequacy, none is too weak or incapable of contributing something to the community, for the Lord has seen to it that each believer has one gift or another to employ for the common good. He also cautions his readers that not everyone has the gift of preaching, but each believer who does have that God given ability should always use it bearing in mind the awesome responsibility 119

that goes with it. A believer s ministry may lie not in words but in what he/she has been gifted to do. If anyone serves, then that service is to be carried out with the strength God provides; keeping in mind that God gives strength for the tasks he wants particular individuals to carry out. The word for serving in this text is a general one and it covers all manner of contributions to the good of the Christian community. But at the end of the day the right and successful application of all gifts depends not on the individual s natural abilities but on God working in and through the believer. The employment of gifts in service is not to promote any pride in human achievement, but to further God s glory through Jesus Christ. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Christ suffered: In Christian creeds this means his sacrificial death Own desires: Human impulses Godless people: Pagans Plunge: Paints the picture of people rushing forward from all directions in orde to see something untoward Slander: Heap abuse on you Judge: Give account Gift: Charisma, a gift of grace. Something bestowed freely and without merit on the believer by God, that is to be used for the good of the community of believers SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1Peter 4:2 (NLT) You won t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 120

WEEK 9: Living cheerfully Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1Peter 4:12-19 (NLT) Dear friends, don t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble or prying into other people s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment and it must begin with God s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God s Good News? And also if the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners? So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 121

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What were the believers facing according to verse twelve and what response and assurance does Peter encourage them to have? What other response should they have to what they are facing as stated in verse thirteen of the text? How do the trials make them partners with Christ in his suffering as stated in verse thirteen of the text? Relate this text to Romans 8:17 & 2Corinthians 1:5 122

What should be characteristic in their life when insulted for being Christians according to verse fourteen? And what divine blessing to they get to enjoy? How does this lesson relate to Mathew 5:11? What should they not suffer for as stated in verse fifteen of the text? Relate this to the lessons found in 1Thessalonians 4:11, 2Thessalonians 3:1 & 1Timothy 5:13 123

What assurance does Peter give them when they suffer for being Christians as indicated in verse sixteen and what should be their response to God? What time has come according to verse seventeen and eighteen, where will this process begin and what is in store for those who never obeyed God s Good News? Relate this to 2Thessalonians 1:7-8 What does Peter encourage the believers to do when suffering in a manner that pleases God as indicated in verse nineteen of the text? Relate this to Psalm 31:5 What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) 124

MEMORY CHALLENGE: What progress have you made in memorizing the memory passage you selected? 125

What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Dear friends, fiery trials, something strange were happening to you, be very glad, trials make you partners with Christ, seeing his glory when it is revealed, glorious Spirit of God rests upon you, privilege of being called by is name, time has come for judgment, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God s good news, suffering in a manner that pleases God, he will never fail you, 127

PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 128

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In verse twelve, Peter urges the believers not to be surprised by the fiery trials they are going through. Why might a Christian find persecution surprising? 129

From the study and in your own opinion, why should a Christian not be surprised when facing persecution because of his faith? How can you live out this truth? Can you offer any principle for how Christians can proclaim Jesus in word and deed without becoming meddlers as stated in verse fifteen prying into other peoples affairs? How can you entrust yourself to God in practice when facing persecution as Peter encourages his readers in verse nineteen of the text? 130

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: This passage begins with the words dear friends, signaling the beginning of a new section, as the apostle returns to the subject of suffering, though in particular to suffer on account of being a Christian. The interesting thing according to the apostle s words is that when fiery trials come to those who have committed their lives to God, the people should not be surprised. What the apostle continues to emphasize in this text is the fact that conversion to Christianity does not bring exemption from troubles as is the thought of many, though it does assure believers of divine assistance through troubles. Peter further encourages the believers to embrace a cheerful (very glad) attitude towards suffering. His assurance to his readers is that they should joyfully accept persecution on account of their faith because what they are going through is a sharing in the suffering of Christ. This simply means that what happened to Christ is happening to them and that is how they get the privilege of sharing in his suffering. This will also usher them to share in his benefits for when his glory is revealed at the second coming, believers will have every reason to be overjoyed. One of the ways that these believers were suffering is verbal abuse hurled at them because they were associated with the name of Christ. All the same being reviled for the name of Christ is still to be viewed positively when it comes for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon them. This means that though this experience is a negative one, it brings a blessing with it through divine action. This assurance by the apostle is an allusion to the Shekinah, the glory cloud signifying the divine presence; this makes it clear why the believers are to realize that they are blessed. The reviling they are facing is a proof that Christ is in them and God s enemies intuitively recognize this and react accordingly. The only caution to the believers as explained in verse 132

fifteen is to make sure that they are not deserving of the suffering they experience. This is because it is a disgrace for a professing believer to be guilty of wrong doing and suffers for it. But there is no cause for shame if suffering is due solely on account of being a Christian. And the believer should therefore continue to praise God because of being called by the name of Christ. Peter also addresses his readers on the theme of divine judgment which according to his words is imminent. This must have come as a surprise to his readers especially because of what they were facing and the fact that the judgment will begin in God s household. This simply means that the second thing stated in this passage that Christians are not exempt from is judgment. They will have to give account of the response they have made to the privilege of knowing God and his grace. Judgment will also extend to unbelievers, this would of course include those persecuting Peter s readers and the outcome for them can scarcely be imagined. This is because those who do not obey the gospel of God and persist in their disobedience are rebels against the Most High and they will be treated as such. Peter supports his statements with a quotation from Proverbs 11:31 (NLT) If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners. This simply means that if it is far from roses all the way for the godly, what will it be for those who rebel? In concluding this passage, Peter declares that all this means is that believers who suffer in the course of following God s will are to express their trust in the Lord by a deliberate handing over of their lives to him. And regardless of the discouragement, they are to carry on with the good work he wants them to do. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Fiery trials: Painful trial Surprised: Astonished by the unexpected Insulted: To revile, slander 133

Rests: Makes for himself a place of rest Glory: In the Old Testament, God s glory was the cloud of his presence that rested upon the tabernacle or the Temple God s household: Family SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1Peter 4:14 (NLT) So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 134

WEEK 10: Living to receive the crown Day 1: Take 30 minutes to pray and read the passage printed below in the New Living Translation version, and also read the same passage in three other versions (New International Version, Good News version, & New King James Versions). The intention is to read the passage as many times as possible in order to familiarize yourself with the content in the text. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-14 (NLT) And now, a word to you who are elders in the church. I too am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you young men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you serve each other in humility, for God opposes the proud but favors the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. in his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part 135

of God s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings and so does my Son Mark. Greet each other with Christian love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. RECORD: The other versions of the Bible that you have also read the same passage from 136

Day 2: Take time to pray and read the text again and where possible read it in the different versions available and make the relevant observations. OBSERVATION: What three things does Peter point out about himself in verse one of the text as a way to explain why he qualifies to addresses the elders? What is his appeal to the elders as stated in verse two of the text and what should be their attitude as they execute their duty as indicated in both verse two and three? Relate this text to John 21:16, Acts 20:28, 2Corinthians 1:24, Philippians 3:17 & Titus 2:7 What reward are they promised to receive in verse four? Relate this to 1Corinthians 9:25 137

What appeal is made to the young men and all the believers in verse five? What attitude does God approve of in verse five and what should be the action of the believers in verse six? Relate this to Proverbs 3:34 & James 4:6 What will be the reward of the humble and the proud according to verse five and six? Relate this to James 4:10 138

What assurance does verse seven give the readers of the text? Relate this to Psalm 55:22, Mathew 6:25-34 & Hebrews 13:5 Why should the believers be alert according to verse eight? Relate this to Job 1:7 How should the believers respond to the intents of the enemy as indicated in verse nine? Relate this to James 4:7 & Ephesians 6:11-13 What does it mean that God has called them to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus as stated in verse ten? Relate this to 1Thessalonians 2:12 & 2Timothy 2:10 139

What four things has God promised to do to the believers in verse ten? What concluding remarks does the apostle give in verse eleven to fourteen of the text? What key words or phrases do you see in the texts that need to be defined or explained further? (Make observations from the different versions) 140

MEMORY CHALLENGE: Let the group contest on the memory challenge exercise that they have been preparing themselves for the last ten weeks. Remember to appreciate those able to recite the selected memory passage word perfect. 141

What is the meaning of the key words and phrases and the content in general and what have other people written or commented about this text? What did the author mean when he used the following terms and phrases in the text: Elders in the church, I too am an elder, witness to the suffering, I too will share in his glory, when he is revealed, care, flock that God has entrusted to you, grudgingly, eager to serve God, Don t lord it over people, good example, Great Shepherd, crown of never ending glory and honor, accept the authority, mighty power of God, at the right time, great enemy, eternal glory 143

PRAYER: Have you continued to pray for the people you identified who are facing persecution? 144

Day 4: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations and interpretations made APPLICATION: What is the relevance of this text in your life and in the world today? In his introduction Peter calls himself fellow elder instead of using a grander way to introduce himself, what motives and character traits does this choice suggest about the apostle and how can we embrace a similar attitude as Christians? How can leaders/elders in our age live out the role of being shepherd as taught by the apostle? 145

How can Christian leaders and elders avoid the trap of serving for the wrong reasons that are pointed out in verse two and three? How can church members make it easier for the elders/leaders to do their job as shepherds, serving willingly, resisting money temptations and by not lording it over them? 146

Think of ways you could clothe yourself with humility as taught by the apostle in the text? Write a personal summary of how the text applies to your life following the questions below: IS THERE ANY: Issue for me to take note of? Need for me to surrender? Sin for me to confess? Promise for me to claim? Example for me to follow? Command for me to obey? Truth for me to believe in? SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Have you practiced the scripture memory for this week? 147

Day 5: Take time to pray and read the text again; go through the observations, interpretations and applications made. SUMMARY: In this last chapter of the book of 1Peter, the apostle begins by addressing the local church leaders whom he refers to as elders in the church. The term elder could mean two things; those senior in age or as here, senior in experience. He appeals to the leaders as fellow elders, meaning he is one of them in some respect, although as an apostle and that is why he speaks with authority. He also affirms that he is a firsthand witness of Christ s suffering therefore he qualifies to address them both as a fellow elder and an eye witness. Not forgetting the assurance he has that he will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. This is a reference to the second coming of Christ. The apostle exhorts the elders to be shepherds of God s flock; this imagery corresponds to Christ and Christians echoing the frequent Old Testament picture of God as the Shepherd of his people (Psalm 23). This same term is used of Christian leaders in the New Testament and signifies Christian leaders are acting on behalf of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus himself. The role of a shepherd is to be responsible for the total well-being of the flock committed to him, he must ensure that the sheep are fed, watered and protected at all times and also that they are led from place to place to find fresh pasture. But it is also clear in the text that the flock belongs to God, it is his property and the elders in their shepherding role must keep this fact in mind- they do not own the sheep but they are serving as overseers, which is simply exercising oversight in the church fellowship. But as they execute their duty, they must not do it with any unworthy motives, it must be voluntary service. Neither should they display any misplaced attitude of overbearing superiority by lording it over those entrusted to them. On the contrary they should be an example to the believers that reflects Christ. And when they play their role faithfully they are assured of a reward that 148

will not be in terms of this world but in a form appropriate to the life to come. This simply means that the reward for faithful service will surpass our imagining, for they will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. This means the crown can never be subject to the ravages of time, for it belongs to another world-order and it can never like earthly things fade away. It is also clear that this crown will be a symbol of triumph and it represents a sharing in the victory of Jesus Christ over all suffering and over death. After addressing the leaders, the apostle moves to addressing the members as seen in verse 5b- and all of you All believers are to clothe themselves with humility towards one another and he supports his statement by quoting Proverbs 3:34 that says God is gracious to the humble. Peter s point is that divine favor of special blessing is bestowed upon believers who seem to follow the example of their master in his selfless lowliness. The apostle goes further to explain that the foundation of Christian humility is a dependent attitude toward God and his ability to rescue. The use of the expression under the mighty power of God refers to divine deliverance and it is an assurance that God s power to deliver can still be relied upon. Therefore however trying the circumstances, believers are to look to God alone and entrust all their cares to him. This is an assurance that believers can leave all their anxieties with the heavenly Father and he will care about their cares; this therefore leaves the believer to be care-free but this does not mean that Christians are to be careless. This is an assurance that God is concerned with the personal care of his people. The believers are also required to be alert; this gives the notion of wakefulness and sobriety. To be alert is to be on the watch like keen sentinels aware that the foe may attack at any time and from any quarter. As much as the enemy is unseen, but the fact remains that the devil is forever seeking a way to infiltrate and take advantage of any weakness among God s army of believers. But believers are to stand firm and resist the enemy, they are not to fear him but neither are they to under estimate him. Yet they are not to rely upon their own strength, because the devil is only conquered in Jesus name. 149

This therefore means that the standing firm against him that Peter encourages is being immovable in their steadfast reliance on the Lord and his victory. The believers are also enlightened by the fact that they are not the only ones facing this struggle but their Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are facing the same conflict. But this suffering will come to an end; it is only for a little while. This does not necessary mean that it will be for a brief moment but it assures them that it is temporary. Having lifted his reader s thoughts upward and onward, beyond present difficulties and trials to the glory that lies in the future, Peter crowns his exhortation with a doxology in praise of what will ensure that it all comes to pass. He also gives a fare well to his readers. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Elder: Leader Appeal: Exhort Witness: Not necessarily an eye witness but one who gives testimony Lording it: An overbearing and oppressive attitude Crown: The word could mean a wreath, garland or chaplet awarded as the winners prize or an honor for distinguished public service or a royal golden crown. Young men: The comparative can refer to age, rank or a recent appointment e.g. young in the job Opposes: A military term used of an army drawn up ready for battle The mighty power of God: A frequent metaphor for divine deliverance Lift you up in honor: Suggest the bestowal of honor, position or fortune 150

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: 1Peter 5:4 (NLT) And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 151

Bibliography Navigator study: 1 Peter, Life Change Series. Navpress. 1990 Norman Hillyer: 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, New International Biblical commentary. Hendrickson Publishers. 1984 Pheme Perkins: First and Second Peter, James and Jude. John Knox Press, Louisville. 1995 Karen H. Jobes: 1 Peter. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Baker Academic, Grand Rapid Michigan. 2005 G. C. D. Howley: A Bible commentary for today; Pickering & Inglis. London. Glasgow. 1979 Thomas R. Schreiner: The New American Commentary. 1, 2 Peter, Jude. Roadman & Holman Publishers. 2003 H. Franklin Paschall & Herschel H. Hobbs: The Teachers Bible Commentary. Broadman Press. Nashville Tennessee. 1972 152